Best of Bryce Canyon: Lose the Crowds

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic. Beautiful. Stunning views. Don't miss a stop here, no matter how short your visit.

Description:

From here, you can see the whole of the Bryce Canyon amphitheater, bristling with pointy, colorful hoodoos. Keep an eye out for Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels and Uinta Chipmunks (but please, no feeding the wildlife, no matter how well they try to convince you they are starving. This is not only against Park law, it can be deadly to the cute little critters.). Funny piece of history: Ebenezer Bryce, for whom Bryce Canyon is named, is said to have noted that "It's a hell of a place to lose a cow." As you gaze down upon the crazy jumble of spires and mini-canyons from Bryce Point, you'll probably agree.

Our Local Expert Says:

Due to it strenuousness, this trail arguably showcases some of Bryce Canyon's best features and is also appreciably less crowded.

Description:

Starting at Bryce Point, head down below the rim. When you reach the choice of going either left or right at the fork, choose left so you do the trail clockwise. Look up to your left for the Fairy Castle! And if you can, peer off straight ahead in the distance to see folks looking down from Bryce Point, now a mile away and 900 feet above you. Then you'll come to the Wall of Windows, which is more impressive if seen coming up in this direction, from the south. Watch for horses on this trail, and give way if you see them. Or sign up for a horseback ride yourself, which is a really fun and different way to experience Peekaboo Loop.

Description:

True to its name, sunset lights up the colorful hoodoos visible from Sunset Point to an almost aching beauty. The swirl of oranges, reds, pinks, whites, tans, and more just beg for photographic capture at this popular spot. Look for notable formations such as Silent City and the majestic, slightly intimidating Thor's Hammer. Birders, watch the skies for hawks, ravens, Cliff Swallows, and Violet-green swallows, among others.

Our Local Expert Says:

They have a full liquor license

Description:

Enjoy a steak or fresh trout at Clarke's Restaurant, a cute little western eatery located within the Bryce Valley Inn. Basic menu items like pasta or a burger promise to satiate after a long day outside. Décor at Clarke's Restaurant is charmingly styled after the Old West, and the establishment is fully liquor licensed. Not bad bang for your buck, although don't go expecting great things. You get what you pay for.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lovely views and fewer sites make this a somewhat more intimate campground

Description:

The North campground is open year-round (some sites may be closed in winter), and offers sites suitable for both tents and RVs. No sewer, water, or electrical hookups. Reservations can be made for May - September from six months to two days in advance for a fee, by calling (877) 444-6777 or going to www.recreation.gov.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classic Bryce views are even better on this hike because it's less crowded

Description:

The Fairyland Loop takes hikers through striking natural rock formations; don't forget your camera! The trail begins at Fairyland Point, winds through the Bryce Amphitheatre and returns near Sunrise Point. It loses 950 feet in elevation--then gains it. You'll get a workout! Penny-pincher? This trail head starts before the fee station in the Park, so you can experience all of its beauty for free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bryce has one of the National Park system's best astronomy programs. Very detailed and professionally organized, the “Dark Rangers” offer an excellent way to learn about our rapidly disappearing night skies.

Description:

This fabulous, not-to-be-missed program is believed to be the National Park system's oldest. Headed up by "founding father of astronomy" Patrick Wiggins, this is hands-down an excellent way to experience the night sky. And at Bryce, that sky is awesome. Tip: check out the annual Astronomy Festival, usually held in mid-June, for amazing and fun learning opportunities about our nation's otherwise light-choked night skies. Bryce is famous for the clarity of stars; take advantage to see them in this gorgeous environment.

Description:

How do those rocks just balance like that, seeming so precarious? The Hat Shop hike offers close-ups of balancing little rocks capping the hoodoos. Don't worry, you can huff and puff but you won't be able to blow them down. But it sure is fun to check out all the wild shapes and pretend the hoodoos are ladies dressed up in their millinery finest to go to the races. Note: this is a down and back up trail-way, way up. You gain about 1,000 feet as you ascend, making the Hat Shop a thigh-burner in the extreme. It's also very exposed, so not a good mid-July, midday hike. Awesome views, though, and also less traveled than other hikes in Bryce Canyon.